Mikael Lustig as cover isn’t a disaster for Celtic

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Any potential stay for Mikael Lustig at Celtic Park is by no means a disaster for the club.

Fans have long been split over the Swedish international’s future at Parkhead. The right-back has struggled for consistency over the last 12 months, and has become more and more error-prone.

This naturally has led to a conversation about replacing him as first-choice right-back heading into the new campaign.

Jeremy Toljan was brought to Celtic Park for that very reason back in January. Yet, incredibly, he proved to be even worse than Lustig, and was fell out of favour before returning to Borussia Dortmund when his loan deal expired.

And with Lustig’s contract up this summer, his future is on a shoogly peg.

But it’s hardly a disaster if Celtic do decide to actually give him a short extension. After all, there would be no real concerns about using Lustig as cover if required. So long as he’s pushed out of the team by a quality replacement, not many would argue Lustig staying as back-up.

Baldock move shows intent

Celtic have of course been linked with a move for George Baldock of Sheffield United (Daily Mail). That would prove that Celtic still see upgrading the right-back spot as a priority. Therefore, not many will moan too much if Lustig stays on but is out the starting XI.

At the end of the day, Celtic are still short on right-back cover. Anthony Ralston isn’t good enough as it stands, whilst both Cristian Gamboa and Jeremy Toljan have both left the club.

Ideally, Celtic would bring in two right-backs and let them vie for the starting spot. But if Celtic can only land one in Baldock, then signing up Lustig as back-up isn’t a disaster. The main priority was simply getting an upgrade in.

Celtic have yet to do so, of course, but it looks as though moves are being made to get it done. At the end of the day that’s all supporters have been asking for.

Lustig can still do a job on the rare occasions he could be needed next season. Against Premiership opposition, he’s generally been decent enough. And if he’s a back-up, then the majority of his outings will be in low-key matches.

So signing him on a short extension is no disaster. So long as the position is upgraded upon, there’s nothing to really moan about.